The reforms made during Bush’s tenure are why the Sunshine State has become so appealing to conservatives trapped in blue states, including Trump acolytes and Trump himself. The irony is rich.

During Bush’s eight years in Tallahassee, Florida cut the state’s workforce by more than 10%; slashed taxes and spending; ended affirmative action in higher education and state contracts; passed school choice; privatized Medicaid; adopted the country’s first stand-your-ground gun bill; and more. Like former Gov. Rick Scott, DeSantis is mainly following Bush’s successful agenda, and Trump, as a Floridian by choice, is a beneficiary. …

Inexplicably running an anti-Reagan, big government campaign that turns off independent and Republican voters will fail, except among conspiracy theorists and cult members — like Steve Bannon, Kari Lake, Mike Lindell, and other CPAC carnival barkers — who value grievance and internecine battles over persuading key voters, winning elections and promoting solid policies.